LRPD spreads holiday cheer with an all-day turkey giveaway

Kroger helped sweeten the deal by donating cranberry sauce and green beans with each turkey. Ben E. Keith donated transportation of the turkeys this morning.

Author:
Brejamin Perkins

Published:
7:40 PM CST December 23, 2017

Updated:
7:40 PM CST December 23, 2017

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - With Christmas just a day-and-a-half away, the Little Rock Police Department showed its holiday spirit by giving out 300 turkeys this morning -100 turkeys for each patrol division in the city - for the first time.

“They're doing a great job. It's not like everyone thinks, they're doing a good job with our community,” said Christopher Livingston.

Spreading holiday cheer while connecting with those they serve, LRPD hoped to make a positive personal contact with the community today.

“We certainly have room for improvement as it relates to our relationship and this allows us to do something non-law enforcement during the holiday season,” Chief Kenton Buckner said.

Officers were spread out throughout Little Rock, with Buckner helping out at the Northwest station.

“We have three patrol divisions: Northwest, where we are today on Kanis, Southwest on Baseline, and the Downtown division on 12th Street. All three locations were given 100 turkeys,” said Chief Buckner.

Cars pulled in one by one as officers handed out packages.

“This morning I came up to receive 10 turkeys for the West Central Resource area with Director Wright and the John Barrow Neighborhood Association,” Ruby Dean said.

The Southwest and Downtown divisions ran out of turkeys within 10-15 minutes, while the Northwest location had a few extra. Police hand delivered those to nearby residents in the area.

“That also speaks to the challenges and differences in our city,” added Chief Buckner.

“A lot of people need it and can't afford it. It's a very nice gesture,” Livingston said.

Kroger helped sweeten the deal by donating cranberry sauce and green beans with each turkey.

“This is amazing. I applaud the police department, Chief Buckner and his staff. It will definitely be a blessing to all of the residents,” said Dean.

Ben E. Keith donated transportation of the turkeys this morning.

The police department also just reached 30,000 followers on Facebook recently, which was a goal for them this year.